Legislative Update- January 8, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I would like to start this newsletter by sharing my sadness and frustration about Wednesday’s rioting in Washington D.C. Violence is never a solution. Given those events, I am more resolved than ever to work to protect the state and the country that I love. It is imperative that elected officials across the country conduct themselves with dignity and reverence for our democracy. We must all recognize the gravity of this moment and proceed with humility and grace. The eyes of the world are on us. Let’s meet this moment and live up to the promise of America. 

We have work to do for the people of Minnesota and I’m committed to ensuring our legislative session can continue to operate respectfully and safely.

It was a tremendous honor to take the oath of office for a second term to the Minnesota House when session kicked off this week. We are living through unprecedented times, as evidenced by the first ever remote swearing in ceremony. There is much work ahead of us. We must heal from COVID and we must heal our economy. I am approaching this session with purpose and resolve to find bipartisan solutions to our challenges.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Update

This week Governor Walz joined the governors of Michigan, California, Kansas, Illinois, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin in urging the federal administration to expedite distribution of the millions of vaccine doses still in possession of the feds. The federal government currently has upwards of 50% of currently produced vaccines held back by the administration for reasons unknown. You can read the full letter here.

Here in Minnesota, over 100,000 people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.

The Minnesota Department of Health provides daily updates on vaccination administration with statistics broken down by demographics, age, gender, county, and provider type (hospital, primary care clinic, and more) of who has received a dose. You can stay up to date on this information here.  

COVID-19 Guidance: Dials Turning

This week, Governor Tim Walz announced that certain restrictions on various activities and businesses will be relaxed starting Monday, January 11. The governor pointed to improvements in several metrics, including case counts and hospital capacity, as well as the distribution of the vaccine. The changes include the following:

• Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
• Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain nine- feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
• Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
• Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
• Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
• Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

With vaccine administration already underway, we can finally see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. However, it’s still critically important we continue to follow public health guidelines by masking up, washing our hands frequently, maintaining a safe distance from others, avoiding large groups and gatherings, getting tested if we feel sick, and staying home when we can.

Keep in Touch

As always, please feel free to reach out anytime to share your input, ideas, or questions. You can contact me at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn or 651-296-4315. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide assistance when it’s needed.

For additional community and Capitol updates, you’re welcome to follow me or ‘like’ my Facebook page.

Thank you for the honor of serving our 33B residents and families in the Minnesota Legislature!

Stay well and have a safe weekend.

Sincerely,

Kelly